MREA is excited to announce that four new individuals are joining the MREA Board of Directors. MREA membership elected three new directors and re-elected one director in voting that closed December 31. With an additional new appointee, there will be four new faces representing MREA.
The directors began their service January 1. They will attend their first MREA Board of Directors meeting on February 4-5 in Morris.
New Directors
Paul Brinkman, Northeast Service Cooperative
Agency Representative, North | 2025-2028
Brinkman has been appointed by the MREA Board to a 4-year term representing service cooperatives. He is Executive Director of the Northeast Service Cooperative with management experience including healthcare, technology, education, and fundraising. He looks forward to helping MREA build on its reputation for rural education in Minnesota. Paul, thanks for bringing your broad expertise to MREA!
Melissa Sparks, Henning School District
At-Large Representative, North Central Zone | 2025-2028
Sparks is in her 4th year as Henning Schools superintendent and her 30th year in education, all of it rural. She also serves on a local arts advocacy committee and Lions Club. She is excited to serve and represent rural educators in Greater Minnesota by bringing ideas and needs to lawmakers and the Minnesota Department of Education. Thanks for your leadership in rural education, Melissa!
Melissa Sunderman, New Ulm
School Board Representative, South Central Zone | 2025-2026
Sunderman is an alum of New Ulm Schools and now serving her third term on the district’s school board. She has served as a school para and is an avid MREA conference attendee who appreciates MREA’s collaborative approach to policies reflecting the unique challenges rural educators face. Her 2-year Board term fills an MREA mid-term director vacancy. Melissa, thanks for meeting with local legislators regarding rural education concerns!
Mark Swenson, Houston
School Board Representative, South Zone | 2025-2028
Swenson has served on Houston School District’s board for 4 years and sits on the finance committee. As a parent with children in the district, Mark wants to be more involved. His career includes military service, organizing non-profit events, serving on various boards, and managing departments in large corporations. He wants to help MREA advocate for student career pathway opportunities across Minnesota. Mark, thanks for your commitment to advocating for kids!
Returning Director
Karla Beck, Redwood Area School District
Administrator Representative, South Central Zone | 2025-2028
Beck has been re-elected to a 4-year term after serving a 2-year term to fill a mid-term director vacancy. As Director of Teaching and Learning at RASD, she mentors young teachers and collaboratively elevates the quality of classroom learning. She has actively participated on MREA’s Executive, Summit, and Executive Director Search committees and is excited to help MREA partner with rural industries and organizations to provide diverse opportunities within schools. Karla, thanks for your confidence in MREA!
